Game with multiple chambers

ABSTRACT

A game wherein players move their game pieces around a pathway through multiple chambers is described. Moreover, the game may be portable. In some cases, the game apparatus may be carried in a plastic case that resembles a hard-backed book. The game components may be based on an individual chapter from a published children&#39;s book or novel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the following U.S. provisional patent application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes: Serial No. 60/340,007 entitled “Book Based Games,” filed Nov. 1, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to board games, and more specifically to board games that resemble a book when closed, and resemble a children's playset when open. The invention also includes various rules and apparatus for playing a board game, including games having differently configured room-like portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Examples of board games that resemble a book are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,221,267, 3,880,429, 4,712,673, 4,781,384, 5,356,155, 5,961,149, and 6,203,017, and examples of board games that include multiple levels or room-like portions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,767,201, 3,804,416, 4,333,654, 4,534,565, 5,195,750, 5,443,268, 5,678,819 and 6,170,825, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention includes portable games carried in a plastic case that resembles a hard-backed book. Opening the book unfolds the game board. Various embodiments may be based on an individual chapter from a published children's book or novel.

[0005] Preferably, the housing and gameboard double as a playset, for use with detailed figures and environments.

[0006] The present invention further includes rules and apparatus for playing a board game in which players move their player movers through multiple chambers trying to avoid traps and snares that send the players' player movers back to the starting space for each chamber.

[0007] The advantages of the present invention will be understood more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the game of the present invention, including a housing, multiple chambered playing surface, and playing pieces.

[0009] FIGS. 2-4 depict cards suitable for use with the game of FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 5 is an isolated view of the housing of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is a game played by at least two players involving strategy and chance. As will be understood, game 310 may incorporate elements from a particular theme or popular cultural phenomenon, such as a book or movie. In such a case, the elements of game 310 may include depictions, shapes, and colors that reflect or exemplify this theme or phenomenon. In particular, game 310 may be based on a particular portion of popular media, such as a chapter of a book or novel.

[0012] An exemplary embodiment of game 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Typically, game 310 includes a housing 312 having an inner surface 314 and an outer surface 316. A game board 318 is located on inner surface 314. Game 310 further includes player movers 320.

[0013] As shown, game board 318 may include a plurality of chambers 320 such as first chamber 320 a, second chamber 320 b, and third chamber 320 c. Focusing for the moment on first chamber 320 a, it can be seen that path 322 a includes a start space 324 a and a number of snare spaces 326 a, which are typically marked with some type of differentiable indicia. Likewise, second chamber 320 b includes a path 322 b having a start space 324 b and a number of snare spaces 326 b, while third chamber 320 c includes a path 322 c having a start space 324 c and a number of snare spaces 326 c. Typcially, path 322 terminates in a finish space 328.

[0014] Game 310 includes a set of cards 330 for each chamber. Thus, card set 330 a is associated with chamber 320 a, card set 330 b is associated with chamber 320 b and card set 330 c is associated with chamber 320 c. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show exemplary cards that may included in card sets 330 a, 330 b and 330 c, respectively. As shown, each card set includes three types of cards: safe cards 332, danger cards 334, and exchange cards 336, with each type of card being differentiable by its words or markings.

[0015] Game 310 may further include dice 338. Dice 338 may include both movement indicia 340 and draw card indicia 342.

[0016] As stated above, game 310 may be based on a particular piece of popular media such as a book or more. More particularly, game 310 may be based on a portion of the popular media piece such as a book chapter. In such a case, it may be desirable for game 310 to also be used as a play set. As a play set, game 310 may include play items based on those items and situations described in the book or other form of popular media. Furthermore, game 310 may include additional decorative items that are not used in game play according to the rules of the game. In addition, some or all of the items used in game play may be suitable for use as part of the play set.

[0017] As stated above, game 310 may further include a housing 312 having an inner surface 314 and an outer surface 316. Typically, housing 312 is adapted to move from an open position, as shown in FIG. 1 to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 5. Generally, game board 318 is accessible for play when the housing is in the open position. The housing may resemble a book when in the closed position. Furthermore, when in the closed position, the housing may be adapted to contain all of the playing components including the playing pieces and any decorative items not used in game play.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention provides rules for using the above-described apparatus wherein players attempt to maneuver their movers across game board 318 from start space 322 a to finish space 328. Typically, players roll dice 338 and, if movement indicia 340 is rolled, move their player movers along path 320 the number of spaces indicated by the dice. If a player mover lands on a snare space, the player mover must return to the start space corresponding to the chamber in which the player mover is currently located. Alternatively, if draw card indicia 342 is rolled, a player may draw a card corresponding to the chamber in which the player's player mover is currently located. If a safe card 332 is drawn, the player may save the card and play it the next time the player's player mover lands on a snare space. Playing the safe card enables the player to avoid moving his player mover to a start space when the player mover lands on a snare space. If a danger card 334 is drawn, the player's player mover is returned to the start space corresponding to the chamber in which the player mover is currently located. If an exchange card 336 is drawn, the player may exchange the positions of two of the player movers.

[0019] As stated above, the game may be based on a well-known popular culture phenomenon, such as a book or movie. Accordingly, the example below is based on the popular children's book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J. K. Rowlings. Accordingly, an example of a set of rules for a game constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention follows:

EXAMPLE I

[0020] Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ™ THROUGH THE TRAPDOOR Chapter Game CONTENTS 1 Mini Game Book 2 Harry Potter Movers 15 Skill Cards 1 Six-Sided Custom Die 4 Chess Pieces 3 Card Holders 1 Final Chamber Door Piece 1 Fluffy Piece 1 Flying Keys Path 1 Potion Bottles Table 3 Customer Applied Labels: Fluffy, Final Door & Flying Keys Path

[0021] Set Up

[0022] 1. Apply the appropriate label to the following game pieces: Fluffy, Final Door & Flying Keys Path. (See diagram.)

[0023] 2. Attach the following 4 game pieces to their appropriate sections on the side of the game board: A. Flying Keys Path, B. Fluffy, C. Potion Bottles Table, D. Final Chamber Door (See diagram.)

[0024] 3. Divide the Skill Cards into three sets of 5, one set for each Chamber. The Card colors are as follows: Flying Keys—Purple, Chess Game—Red and Potion Chamber—Green.

[0025] 4. Insert each set of Skill Cards into one of the 3 cardholders. Then attach each holder onto the side of the game board, one for each Chamber. (See diagram.)

[0026] 5. Place the 4 chess pieces randomly (off the game path) in the Chess Room. These are not used in game play.

[0027] 6. Select a Harry mover and place it on the Devil's Snare start space.

[0028] 7. Roll the die, player with the highest roll goes first.

[0029] Object

[0030] Be the first player to successfully negotiate the Chambers and reach the Final Door leading to the Sorcerer's Stone™.

[0031] Quick Play Notes

[0032] The Die

[0033] This game contains a custom die. In place of the 1 & 6 are lightning bolt symbols, one with a single star and the other with six. If you roll:

[0034] 1 Star—Take a Skill Card from whichever Chamber you happen to be in.

[0035] 6 Star—Take a Skill Card or move 6 spaces.

[0036] The Gameboard

[0037] Players can share the same space

[0038] Game spaces in each Chamber are as follows:

[0039] Flying Keys Chamber—Each broom is a space

[0040] Chess Chamber—Each square of the Chess Board is a space

[0041] Potions Chamber—Each rock is a space

[0042] If you land on a “Snare” space, return to the start of that Chamber. (See below under “Skill Card Symbols & Snare Spaces” for more details.)

[0043] If you land on a “Snare” space but have one of the Protective Skill Cards from that chamber; play your card, move your mover ahead 1 space and return the card to the rear of the deck. (See below under “Skill Card Symbols & Snare Spaces” for more details.)

[0044] Skill Cards

[0045] Every room has its own set of 5 Skill Cards. Each Card has a symbol which gives one of 3 commands (see Below under “Skill Card Symbols & Snare Spaces” for more details).

[0046] After you have played your Skill Card, replace it to the rear of the deck.

[0047] After you have passed through a Chamber, place all Skill Cards that you have collected from that Chamber back into the rear of the deck.

[0048] If you pick a Skill Card and get swapped into another Chamber, return all your Skill Cards to the cardholder from your Chamber of origin.

[0049] Let's Play

[0050] The Following Rules Apply to Each Chamber:

[0051] 1. Select a Harry mover and place it on the Devil's Snare™ “Start” space (in front of Fluffy).

[0052] 2. Player with the highest roll goes first.

[0053] 3. Roll the die and move forward the corresponding number of spaces, following the game path.

[0054] 4. If you land on a “Snare” space go back to the first space in that particular Chamber. That is unless you have a protective Skill Card, in which case you move your mover ahead 1 space and place the card back in the rear of the appropriate deck.

[0055] 5. If you roll a lightning bolt symbol with 1 Star take a Skill Card and follow the instructions that pertain to each Chamber, as explained below.

[0056] 6. If you roll a lightning bolt symbol with 6 Stars, take a Skill Card (as above) or move 6 spaces.

[0057] 7. The first player to successfully pass through all Chambers and reach the Final Chamber Door is the winner. You don't have to reach the Final door by exact count. SKILL CARD SYMBOLS & SNARE SPACES FOR EACH CHAMBER Flying Keys Chamber: Cards Flying Key Change places with the other player (play immediately) Broken Broom Go back to the first space in that Chamber (play immediately) Non-Broken Broom Hold this card-use it to protect yourself if (hold this card) you land on a broken broom symbol (Snare space) on the game path. Move your mover forward 1 space when you play this card. “Snare” Spaces Broken Broom Symbol (go back to the first space in that Chamber) CHESS CHAMBER: CARDS Upright Black Chess Piece Change places with the other player (play immediately) Fallen Chess Piece Go back to the first space in that Chamber (play immediately) Upright White Chess Piece Use it to protect yourself when you land (hold this card) on a broken symbol (Snare space) on the game path. Move your mover forward 1 space when you play this card. “Snare” Spaces Broken Tile (go back to the first space in that Chamber) POTIONS CHAMBER: CARDS Thin Bottle Change places with the other player (play immediately) Round Bottle Go back to the first space in that Chamber (play immediately) Square Bottle Use it to protect yourself when you land (hold this card) on a broken stone symbol (Snare space) on the game path. Move your mover forward 1 space when you play this card. “Snare” Spaces Broken Stone (go back to the first space in that Chamber)

[0058] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0059] Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to any original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game comprising: rules for playing the game; a plurality of chambers; a pathway traversing the plurality of chamber, the pathway including a plurality of spaces including: a start space for each chamber; and snare spaces; a set of skill cards for each chamber, each set including: an exchange card; a safe card; and a danger card; a player mover for each player; and a random number generator.
 2. The game of claim 1 wherein the rules specify that a player mover must return to a start space after landing on a snare space.
 3. The game of claim 1 wherein the rules specify that a player mover must return to a start space after a danger card is drawn.
 4. The game of claim 1 wherein the rules specify that two player movers may swap positions on the pathway after an exchange card is drawn.
 5. The game of claim 1 wherein the rules specify that the safe card protects a player mover from a snare space.
 6. The game of claim 1 wherein the random number generator is a die having indicia indicating the number of spaces a player may move.
 7. The game of claim 6 wherein the random number generator further includes indicia indicating that a player may draw a skill card.
 8. The game of claim 1 wherein the gameboard is located on the inside of a housing and the housing is movable from an open position to a closed position.
 9. The game of claim 8 further comprising card holders for each chamber.
 10. The game of claim 8 wherein the housing is adapted to contain the cards, card holders, random number generator, and playing pieces when the housing is in the closed position.
 11. The game of claim 8 wherein the housing resembles a closed book when the housing is in the closed position.
 12. A method of playing a game comprising: moving a player mover across a game board through multiple chambers, wherein each chamber has a path including a start space and snare spaces and a set of cards including safe cards, danger cards and exchange cards, wherein a turn for a player comprises: rolling a die that includes movement indicia indicating a number of spaces the player mover may move and card indicia indicating that a skill card may be drawn; and if movement indicia is rolled; moving the player mover the number of spaces indicated by the die; determining a type of space landed on by the player mover; and performing an action required by the type of space landed on by the player mover, if any; or if card indicia is rolled; drawing a card; determining the type of card drawn; and performing an action required by the type of card drawn.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising returning the player mover to a start space if the player mover lands on a snare space.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing at least two player movers, each player mover having a place on the path; and exchanging the places of two player movers if an exchange card is drawn.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising returning a player mover to a start space if a danger card is drawn.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising taking no action when a player mover lands on a snare space if a safe card is drawn. 